Anxiety Panic Attacks Panic Disorder

Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder – Part 4/6 Factors that contribute to the development of panic attacks and panic disorder

Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

Factors that contribute to the development of panic attacks and panic disorder

There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of panic attacks and the development of panic disorder. Some of these risk factors include;

  • Temperamental factors –such as negative affectivity (neuroticism), a person’s proneness to experience negative emotions, anxiety sensitivity or separation anxiety in childhood
  • Environmental factors –such as;
    • a history of sexual and physical abuse or other traumatic events
    • smoking
    • identifiable life stressors (interpersonal stress and stress related to physical wellbeing such as negative experiences with illicit or prescription drugs, disease or death in the family, separation from parents, childhood illness, divorce or the addition of a baby to the family)
    • family violence or alcohol abuse
  • Genetic and physiological factors– such as a genetic vulnerability towards anxiety or other mental health issues and family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
  • Intrapsychic and relationship issues (ambivalent attachment patterns, underlying psychic conflicts/defences, fears of loss or abandonment, conflicted feelings about autonomy, unexpressed anger towards loved ones

If you are experiencing any difficulties with anxiety, panic attacks or other mental health issues and would like help please contact Sherry-Lee Smith on 042 135 1020 or smith.sherrylee@gmail.com

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Mt Lawley Counselling Centre

13 Alvan St

Mt Lawley, Perth Western Australia 6050

Sherry-Lee Smith

Registered Psychologist

Published by Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

Sherry-Lee Smith MAPS MAAP EMDRAA ISST CEDC Psychologist BA (Psych) Hons Registered; Perth Western Australia Sherry is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Sherry aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to increase their self-awareness and develop towards their full potential. Issues addressed include; depression and other mood disorders anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety etc.) stress self-harm suicidal ideation self-esteem personal growth anger management drug and alcohol use grief and loss relationship difficulties and separation adolescent issues young adult issues eating disorders insomnia body image issues family of origin issues Sherry uses an integrated therapeutic approach to counselling and psychotherapy tailoring the intervention to meet the unique needs of the client. Approaches may include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, Expressive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Sherry has experience working at an adolescent mental health services with adolescents and their families experiencing depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. She has co-ordinated a drug and alcohol service for adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties related to their own or another’s drug and alcohol use and co-occurring mental health issues. Sherry has worked counselling children and adolescents who have experienced parental separation and family conflict. She has experience running groups related to drug and alcohol use, parenting, grief and loss, family and relationships, bullying and friendships, self-esteem, and parental separation. Sherry is fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). She is also an member of the Australian Psychological Society. Medicare rebates and private health fund rebates may apply. If you would like to book an appointment with Sherry or would like further information please contact her by phone or email. Phone: 042 135 1020 Email: smith.sherrylee@gmail.com Sherry-Lee Smith Mt Lawley Counselling Centre 13 Alvan Street Mt Lawley WA